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The Ontario government has introduced new tobacco control legislation, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which prohibits smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places in Ontario as of May 31, 2006.
This anti-smoking legislation imposes significant responsibility on employers and proprietors to promote compliance. Enforcement has been mandated to local public health offices (Wellington- Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Office), and fines for convictions to both individuals and employers have increased dramatically compared with the previous Tobacco Control Act.
In light of this new legislation, U of G, through Environmental Health and Safety and in consultation with the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee, has been reviewing and will be revising its current smoking policy (Policy 851.13.07). The University's adherence to the City of Guelph Smoking Bylaw and commitment to prohibiting sales of tobacco products on campus will allow for a smooth transition to the new legislation. There are, however, some identified enclosed public spaces and enclosed workplaces on campus where smoking is currently permitted. Steps have already been taken to ensure that these are addressed before the legislation comes into effect.
In keeping with this strong legislation and recognizing that smoking is a threat to the health and well-being of our students and employees, the University will continue its efforts to provide smoking-cessation programs and counselling services for those who wish to quit smoking. Information about smoking-cessation programs and workshops for faculty and staff is available from Occupational Health Services at Ext. 52133. A list of programs, services and resources can be found on the Human Resources website at www.uoguelph.ca/hr.
The Canadian Cancer Society offers a smokers' helpline at 1-877-513-5333, where trained quit specialists are available for free, confidential one-to-one help over the telephone. In addition, the Wellness Centre continues to promote the federally and provincially funded smoking-cessation initiative called “Leave the Pack Behind.” For information, visit www.wellnesscentre.uoguelph.ca/ltpb.shtml or send e-mail to ltpb@uoguelph.ca. This program is available to faculty, staff and students.
Before revising the smoking policy, the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee would like to hear the views of faculty, staff and students — smokers and non-smokers alike — about smoking on campus. You can send your comments in confidence to Environmental Health and Safety. They will be shared without attribution with the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee and carefully considered in determining appropriate revisions to the policy. Please submit questions and comments by e-mail to smoking@uoguelph.ca by April 14.
For a copy of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, visit www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/updates/archives/hu_05/hu_smoke_free_act.html.
